I finally weaned my 3 year old

Vanessa - posted on 06/08/2012
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I wanted to breast feed my youngest whom is my 3rd child. I decided to do it for just a year. Then I wanted to do child lead weaning. Then when my youngest turned 3 I decided to wean. Now while I do miss the breastfeeding time we had. I do enjoy the freedom of not breastfeeding. My youngest is the healthiest out my 3 kids. He has never had antibiotics and is very smart. He still asks for the boob and I have to tell him no. Now when he wakes up he just wants cuddles.

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Lori - posted on 06/10/2012

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Neha - During a normal pregnancy it is OK to continue to breastfeed all the way through the entire pregnancy. Just continue to take good care of yourself as you would anyhow for a pregnancy, and if you do continue to breastfeed some make sure you're eating additional calories for both the pregnancy and for the breastfeeding.

If you're interested in reading more about breastfeeding while pregnant there's a really good book called Adventures in Tandem Nursing by Hillary Flowers. Here's a link to it on amazon.com. I found it helpful for me when I got pregnant with my 2nd.

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Merry - posted on 06/23/2012

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My son is still quite attached to breastfeeding but he is slowing down in amounts, so I foresee him weaning some where around 3.5-4 years if I don't put a stop to it sooner. I'm ready for him to be done but I had set my mind on letting him decide to stop so we will see how it goes.

Anna, I nightweaned using Dr. Jay Gordon's method. My husband was a huge part of it. He took the boys and held them while they cried. They were NOT happy. It took a few days. I had tried when they were about 18 months but I felt that they weren't ready. I tried again at closer to 2 and it went smoother (well, there was still crying, but it went better than the last time).

Jenni, I agree with Anna. I really think it's the personality and not necessarily the gender. I nursed twin boys. One weaned at 3 1/2 with such ease. He decided he was done and that was that. The other, I gently weaned him at almost 5 because I was just done.

The one that I gently weaned, I did a sticker chart for him. He was only nursing once by this time. I told him that if he didn't get "nah nahs" that day, he'd get a sticker. When he filled up his chart, he got a prize.

My 4 year old wants to nurse forever! She said she will never get too big to have mama. I want to be done, but I also believe in letting her decide when it's over. I am so torn. She is my last....I think. And it really doesn't bother me. But sometimes...it does bother me....like when I am tired or want to be left alone. She nurses about 3 times a day. I have tried to stop. She screams at me. She REALLY doesn't want it to end. So I continue to nurse her. Sometimes I tell her, I am too tired or I really don't feel like it and she is ok with that. But most of the time she is very demanding of me. I question myself and my technique all the time. Have I gotten to be a push-over or do I just love my child so much that I am willing to give her what she needs? I love breastfeeding...I am a student midwife and lactation consultant. So I am around breastfeeding all the time. I know it and understand all the elements. I never thought I would be nursing this long. This is my 4th nursing child and she is the most demanding. Girls!! Boys are easier I think. So much drama!! lol

I just joined circle of moms!! I just decided to wean my 2.5yr baby girl as I just found out that I am pregnant:) the guilt of telling Myrah to stop is killing she cries so much but reluctantly understands when I tell her not too.....myquestion is ....is it okay to breastfeed her in between when she feels hungry during the night being pregnant and all?? Or should I try cold cabbage leaves n stop completely??

I was bitter sweet about it. I still miss breastfeeding.Everything has to come a end and breastfeeding has ended with us. If I had another child I would breastfeed again. I just wish I was more educated with my first 2 kids.